BIG4 Holiday Parks is projecting a massive $80 million in sales this year, a significant rise on past years, with expectations this holidaying trend will continue.

Belinda Thomas, GM business development at Big 4, told Seriously Social podcast host Ginger Gorman, “It’s the level of inquiries that we’ve seen we just probably didn’t foresee. We’ve had over 5 million web visitors in the last six months and we expect that to exceed 10 million for the year.”

Belinda said more than half of the holiday parks’ sales are coming from new visitors. And there are other impressive statistics that show an upward trend for staying in holiday parks.

BIG4’s total online revenue grew 94 per cent, cabin revenue rose 101 per cent and site revenues increased by 76 percent.

“I think international borders closing and cruising not being as predominant as it was previously has definitely helped that. But it’s this urge to want to get back to nature and to have these different and unique experiences as well that is driving that,” she said.

Belinda said commissioned insights from a third party indicate holiday parks are very much part of Aussies’ travel plans over the next two years.

She pointed out this is backed up by a reported 18 month backlog for caravan production, the success of Camplify – a caravanning equivalent to Airbnb, and the trend for young Aussies to restore old caravans and take off on a road trip.

“I definitely think that it’s this thirst for new and unique places to explore and holiday parks are really well-placed in really lovely, unique locations,” Belinda said in the podcast.

“I think we cater well for all budgets, as well as offering accommodation that has a little bit of a point of difference.

“Not long ago, TripAdvisor curated a list of 10 destinations worldwide that people were dreaming of and places included the Caribbean, Florida and Brazil and sneaking in at number 10 was Mudgee, New South Wales. I mean, that’s really something that we haven’t ever seen before.”

There are 182 independently-owned BIG4 Holiday Parks across Australia and chairman James Atkins believes the group is well positioned to maximise its potential.

“BIG4 as a brand, and as a network of parks, is in a very strong position from which to continue to innovate and evolve, both as a business and in our use of marketing, and through our leading online platform,” he said.

The holiday park business recently appointed a new CEO, Sean Jenner, who will take up the role in July and brings experience in senior executive roles with global brands including Nike, Virgin and Starbucks.

“Sean’s expertise ticked all the boxes we were seeking in our next CEO –he has extensive experience in strategy, marketing, digital and technology, and an impressive track record of delivering growth and innovation for leading brands,” said the chairman.

“Importantly, he possesses a highly commercial and pragmatic approach to getting things done and his values closely align with ours.”

Sean Jenner said “I’m looking forward for exploring how we can enhance the BIG4 experience for parks and guests alike.”